International Students Experience Delays in the Processing of Study Permits due to Labour Union Stike

09-07-2013

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is experiencing delays due to a labour dispute. According to the latest update, The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) union is taking striking action and PAFSO union members are walking out of offices located in Canada and around the world. These officers and union members are responsible for processing visa applications, including student visas (internationally known as study permits). For this reason, students should quickly start and submit their applications.

Processing times for study permits in international offices usually range broadly, from 2 weeks in Chandigarh, India to 25 weeks in Islamabad, Pakistan. These standardized times are expected to increase due to domestic and international striking actions.

Canadian universities will continue to be in contact with their student on this issue. McGill University plans to assist students whose permit application approvals have been delayed through its International Student Services office (ISS). In a message recently released to international students by McGill University, students are being advised to apply for their study permits as early as possible due to application delay times.

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